Croke Park Stadium, Dublin

Background

Richard Hayden has been associated with the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and Croke Park for over 10 years.

Originally credited with improving the pitch performance in 2007, Richard was tasked with the ambitious project of mid-season pitch replacement immediately following the U2 360 Concert.

Solution

As lead project manager, Richard Hayden designed and delivered the logistically and technically complex pitch replacement project in Croke Park Stadium.

The complete project was executed in one week:

• Prior to the concert 6,000 tonnes of sand rootzone was removed and replaced
• The new sand rootzone was artificially reinforced using fibresand
• The surface was prepared for the U2 concert and the stage installed
• With works planned to commence less than 60 minutes after U2 came off stage, 90 trucks of refrigerated turf were imported and installed

The Result

One of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken globally, the project was a true testament to teamwork. Two games were played just 48 hours after the last roll of turf was installed – playability of the pitch was reported as excellent.

The works caused much media interest and the project was immortalised a few months later where a wall in Croke Park was dedicated to displaying the pictures of the project and the achievement.